UPDF to Host 18th Inter-Forces Games in Gulu City

What the report says

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) will host the 18th Inter-Forces Games and Shooting Championship in Gulu City, with security personnel from four agencies set to take part. According to Nile Post, the event will run for two weeks, from August 22 to September 5, 2026, and will bring together teams from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

UPDF Deputy Spokesperson Col Henry Obbo said the competition is meant to improve fitness, discipline, operational readiness and cooperation among security agencies. He also said the games are intended to support civil-military relations, promote health and provide a way for officers to manage stress. The programme will include women’s netball, men’s football, men’s volleyball and men’s handball, as well as athletics, taekwondo, darts and range shooting for both men and women.

The participating forces are due to assemble in Gulu on August 22, with the opening ceremony planned for August 24 at St Joseph’s College, Laibi. The closing ceremony is scheduled for September 4, and teams are expected to leave by September 5. Nile Post also noted that the 17th edition was hosted by the Uganda Police Force in 2023, reflecting the rotational arrangement among the agencies.

The UPDF said the games may also help identify and develop sporting talent within the security services, and members of the public in Gulu and nearby areas have been invited to attend and support the teams.